On August 16, 2025, Air Canada flight attendants at Pearson International Airport in Toronto went on strike. Through months of working with the airline, they were able to accomplish a resolution. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents the flight attendants, expressed “grave concerns.” They drew attention to the absurdity of workers having to do unpaid work when planes are on the ground. As a result, the strike caused widespread travel chaos for thousands of passengers. A snapshot from The Canadian Press shows travelers nervously awaiting their boarding in front of Air Canada’s vacant departure gates.
After a prolonged negotiation process that lasted well into the early morning on August 19, 2025, a settlement was reached. CUPE national president Mark Hancock noted that the time to save a negotiated agreement is fast running out. He re-iterated the union leadership’s complete commitment to reaching a new deal. Within hours of these discussions, Air Canada issued a press release saying that it had come to a mediated settlement with the flight attendant union.
Details of the Agreement
This tentative agreement gives Air Canada the opportunity to slowly return to flight normality with limited impact from August 19, 2025. The airline unilaterally informed passengers it will cancel many flights that day. They cautioned that a complete restoration of normal service would not be possible for at least ten days as the strike has caused significant logistical difficulties.
“The strike has ended. We have a tentative agreement we will bring forward to you.” – The Air Canada Component of CUPE
Air Canada knew that cancellations were inevitable during this period. They’re doing their best to get the schedule back on a more stable, less unpredictable flight path.
“During this process, some flights will be cancelled over the next seven to ten days until the schedule is stabilized.” – Air Canada
The airline recommended that customers with booked itineraries reconfirm their flight status. If their flights were still in service, then they needed to go out to the airport right away.
Broader Implications and Government Response
The strike and subsequent agreement have awakened a bigger conversation about labor practices in the airline industry. New probe announced Patty Hajdu, Jobs Minister in Canada’s Liberal Government, recently announced a new investigation. The federal government should investigate and ensure the unpaid work does not further harm Air Canada or any other airline. She called these allegations “deeply disturbing,” emphasizing the importance of accountability in the industry.
The allegations center around flight attendants not being compensated for tasks performed while planes are on the ground, raising questions about labor rights and protections in the airline industry.
